AT&T to Invest $14 billion in Expansion and Upgrades

AT&T announced that it would invest $14 billion over the next three years -- $8 billion for wireless, $6 billion for wireline -- to expand its broadband networks. AT&T CEO Randall Stephenson said:

"This is a major commitment to invest in 21st Century communications infrastructure for the United States and bring high-speed Internet connectivity -  4G LTE mobile and wireline IP broadband - to millions more Americans."

According to AT&T, the company "plans to expand and enhance its wireline IP network to 57 million customer locations (consumer and small business) or 75 percent of all customer locations in its wireline service area by year-end 2015." This includes expansion of its comprehensive U-verse service and speed upgrades to 75Mbps, as well as fiber to multi-tenant business buildings.

Moreover, AT&T's 4G LTE network will be expanded to cover 300 million people by the end of 2014. And, "Wired IP broadband network expected to expand to 75 percent of customer locations in AT&T's 22-state wireline service area by year-end 2015."

FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski was quick to praise AT&T:

"AT&T's announcement of billions of dollars in new investment in wired and wireless broadband networks is proof positive that the climate for investment and innovation in the U.S. communications sector is healthy.  Today's announcement adds to nearly $200 billion of investment in wireless and wireline broadband networks since 2009, and powerful growth in the Internet economy."

Speed Matters is pleased that major CWA employer AT&T is investing in advanced broadband networks, creating jobs and bringing high speed connections to consumers.

AT&T to invest $14 billion to expand networks (The Hill, Nov. 7, 2012)

AT&T to Invest $14 Billion to Significantly Expand Wireless and Wireline Broadband Networks (AT&T news release (AT&T, Nov. 7, 2012)

FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski on AT&T Investment Announcement (FCC news release, Nov. 7. 2-012)